(Versailles, IN) – South Ripley answered every challenge Friday night, holding off Milan for an 82–78 Ohio River Valley Conference boys basketball win at South Ripley High School.
The Raiders built an early cushion and controlled much of the night, but never fully shook a Milan team that stayed within striking distance behind perimeter shooting and frequent trips to the free-throw line.
South Ripley led 24–20 after the first quarter and 43–37 at halftime, then created separation with a decisive third quarter. The Raiders outscored Milan 23–18 in the period, pushing the lead to 66–55 entering the fourth.
Milan made several late pushes, cutting the margin to four points more than once, but South Ripley answered each time with timely baskets and free throws down the stretch.
Drew Volz led the Raiders with 24 points, scoring in every quarter and consistently attacking the basket. Eli Gilpin followed with 23 points, while Dylan Jessee added 14, including four three-pointers in the second half. Blake Gunter chipped in 11, giving South Ripley four players in double figures. Landon Werner finished with 6 points.
“We talked all week about getting back to sharing the basketball,” South Ripley head coach Seve Beach said. “Getting reversals, getting downhill, and finding kick-out threes.”
Milan was paced by Micah Norman, who scored a game-high 26 points. Ethan Clark added 21, while Gabe Riehle finished with 19, many coming at the free-throw line. Grant Langferman contributed 12 for the Indians.
After Milan adjusted defensively in the second half, South Ripley responded by knocking down open perimeter looks.
“Second half, they clogged it up,” Beach said. “We got standstill threes, and we knocked them down.”
With the win, South Ripley improves to 6–3 overall and remains undefeated in ORVC play, having completed four of its six conference games.
Both teams are back in action next Friday, Jan. 30, as Milan hosts Southwestern (Hanover) in ORVC play and South Ripley welcomes Connersville in a non-conference matchup.